Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, safely catch, control and handle calm, consistent and obedient horses educated for the relevant activity. It covers knowledge of potential risks working with and around horses and following industry guidelines and procedures to ensure the welfare and safety of the individual, other workers and the horse.
The unit applies to individuals who have no experience, limited experience or no recent experience working in the relevant horse industry sector. They undertake defined routine activities under supervision and have limited responsibility for their own work. Working environments may include stables, paddocks, yards, tracks, exercise arenas and public areas.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where requirements vary between states and territories. Users working in the racing industry are advised to contact the relevant Principal Racing Authority for advice on current requirements.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify features of horses | 1.1 Distinguish horses by their features, and describe using industry terminology 1.2 Identify common horse behaviour and social traits |
2. Safely approach, catch, control and lead horses | 2.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks requiring involving approaching, catching and leading horse 2.2 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.3 Identify, select and prepare appropriate gear for handling horses safely 2.4 Identify and report to supervisor potential safety risks prior to approaching horse 2.5 Identify horse according to instructions and observe horse body language and behaviour before approaching 2.6 Prepare halter and lead in hand prior to approaching the horse 2.7 Approach calmly and catch horse using safe handling techniques under supervision 2.8 Apply safe control when leading and tying up horse and use safe handling practices around tied-up horses 2.9 Use safe handling procedures around other handlers and horses |
3. Load and unload horses under supervision | 3.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks requiring the loading and unloading of horses 3.2 Identify potential safety risks to handler and horse when loading and unloading horses, and discuss with supervisor 3.3 Select and correctly fit PPE for safe loading and/or unloading of horses 3.4 Select gear and equipment for loading horse and check gear for safety 3.5 Fit gear to horse correctly prior to loading under supervision 3.6 Load horses safely according to instructions under supervision 3.7 Position horse according to transport configuration 3.8 Unload horse safely according to instructions under supervision |
4. Control horses in exercise environments | 4.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks requiring the handling of horses in public areas 4.2 Identify potential safety risks to handler and horse when handling horses in public areas, and discuss with supervisor 4.3 Select and correctly fit PPE for safe handling of horses 4.4 Select gear and equipment, including safety check of gear 4.5 Observe and identify horse body language and behaviour prior to handling in exercise environments 4.6 Use safe control when leading and standing with a horse in a public area under supervision 4.7 Use safe control when leading and standing with a horse confined in a stable or yard |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning techniques to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions Use industry terminology to describe horses, gear and equipment used for handling horses |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including work health and safety and animal welfare requirements, relating to own role and work area Demonstrate a duty of care to self and others when working with horses |
Get the work done | Assemble resources and follow clear, sequenced instructions for handling horses under supervision |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)